Side Show: Chopped Salad With Oregano Vinaigrette

We are moments away from a weekend filled with picnics, BBQs…front stoops with blankets and chilled wine. Moments from all and every kind of last chancelet’s give summer a big ol’ long hug goodbye type of eating situations. Yup, I’m pretty thrilled too!

Now is not the time to frantically make a grocery list and plot your 5 course send off.

Now is, however, the time to open those doors and run outside to embrace the last of lingering golden light.

How about we make a pact? Let’s spend more time with our friends and family this weekend rather than in the kitchen prepping for said celebrations.

How about we just take a big ol’ time out and make chopped salad.

Yup I said it. Let’s get crazy and throw our hands up in the air like that and take the easy road. Don’t worry, I’ll make you a promise: we’re not going to make any ordinary chopped salad. We’re going to make my savory and bright chopped salad with oregano vinaigrette.

OOOookay. So maybe I left out that whole anchovy paste part on purpose. I didn’t want you to immediately delete me from your feed and throw sand in my face. Anchovies have a way of turning people against each other for some reason. Those little guys get such a bad rap.

I’m not trying to be sneaky. I’m just trying to lull you into the idea of how magical this ingredient can be in your kitchen tool box. It’s salty, not overly briny and yet a perfectly perky way to boost a variety of sauces, dressing and stocks.

I will convince you yet!

For those of you who are already on this taste tube-train: High five! You’re going to love this dressing.

Similarly, for those of you brave enough to try for the first time: High five! You’re going to love it too.

**If you are absolutely no way Jose apposed to using above mentioned ingredient: Substitute for a few extra capers, a splash of caper juice, a small pinch of sea salt and call it a day. But I urge you to give anchovy paste a go at least once or you’ll be missing out on the unique brine flavors that only this tiny little tube can offer. Trust!

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There you have it! A rustic chopped veg salad with a powerful and unexpected vinaigrette. This side show is sure to steal the main stage and please your guests or beach blanket crashers. Just think! You whipped it all up in under 15 minutes to boot.

No muss, no fuss…just flavorful ingredients and a whole beautiful day ahead of you. Let’s grab a big pitcher of iced tea and get outside to enjoy the last of the summer sun! Have a safe and amazing holiday!

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Serve alone as a spunky side salad or mix with chopped romaine lettuce for a main dish topped with lemon herb grilled chicken or tuna.